Jon Douglas Gantt, 74, a long time Jacksonvillian, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2020 after a short battle with cancer.

On December 20, 1945, Jon was born in Gainesville, Texas to his loving parents, William Reid Gantt & Frances Ruth Gantt.

After graduating high school, Jon took some college classes; but at the age of 19 decided that his path was to the join United States Navy. He honorably served our country from June 22, 1965 to March 24, 1967. Instead of re-enlisting, he decided settle down and build a life with his high school sweetheart, the lovely Sandra Gale Lewis.

Jon and Sandra were married August 26, 1968, in Jacksonville, FL; and went on to have two beautiful daughters. An avid gardener, he enjoyed growing vegetables for his family to eat and he loved spending quality time with his children by taking them along to go fishing. Jon also really enjoyed learning about automotive repair; he would take any opportunity to work on his cars before considering taking them to the repair shop. He absolutely loved and cherished his dogs, and treated them as (the furry) members of his family.

On January 8, 1989, tragedy struck Jon and his family when his wife Sandra passed away suddenly. Though a big piece of Jon was lost with Sandy that day, he continued on, finding strength in fatherhood to move forward and raise their two daughters. He kept himself occupied through his favorite hobbies of fishing, gardening, automobile tinkering; but his true saving grace was the day his first grandchild was born. From that point until the end of his days, Jon had a new lease on life. His involvement and enthusiasm for helping to raise his grandbabies was unparalleled, and he could quite possibly be considered the greatest grandfather in the world. Lord knows, they considered him as such.

In addition to his late wife Sandy Gantt, Jon is preceded in death by both of his parents; his sister, Sandra; and dogs June, Kodi, Buzz, Skeeter, and Cubby.

Jon is survived by his daughters, Laura Stickler (David) & Alexa Gantt (Randall); grandchildren, Nijel, Dawson, Alivia, Noah, Asher, Mila; brother, Reid Gantt (Karen); his faithful canine companion, Kipper; and many more relatives.

Jon will be buried next to the love his life and best friend, Sandy Gantt, on their wedding anniversary in Arlington Park Cemetery (Jacksonville, Florida).

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations please be made to Community Hospice of North East Florida and the Jacksonville Humane Society.